New England Fish Become Scarce As Recent Laws Take Over
New England is known for its abundant fresh fish supply, which which is an attractive reason for tourists to visit the preserved colonial towns, but with new restrictions implemented, that might change.
Effective on May 1st, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instituted new possession limits, which limit the amount of fish, including yellowtail, haddock, and flounder, that fishermen in the gulf of Maine are allowed to return the docks with. The restrictions, which were announced earlier this year, will only last until April 30, 2013, when they will either be further applied or changed accordingly.
Not soon after the law was announced, The US District court of Boston filed a lawsuit against the NOAA, arguing that the NOAA didn't consider the drastic economic impact that these regulations will have. While the purpose of the bill is to control and regulate the product that the fisherman are able to sell to the public, making sure that the fish remain both healthy for the customer allowing the fish in the gulf to continue to flourish comes at a cost to the fishermen.
A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, observed that the regulations could potentially eliminate roughly 2 billion dollars in the fishing industry, while eliminating about 80,000 jobs, ranging from fisherman to restaurateurs. With both sides of the restrictions having valuable points, we have to choose what's more important, our economy, or our beloved and delicious New England fish markets.